Is it safe for women to travel overland in South America?
A reader named Suzanne recently wrote me with this query:
This summer, I am hoping to travel to South America. My plan was to fly into Caracas and out of Buenos Aires. I was going to give myself about 10 weeks for this, traveling by boat and bus. Tonight I received a very strongly opinionated letter from my dad saying that he literally doesn’t want me to go, and that he can’t fathom a 20-year-old female making this journey by herself. This letter really made me think twice about my plans. What do you think I should do?
This is what I told Suzanne:
It sounds like you have a great trip in the works. One thing to keep in mind is that South America is huge, and 10 weeks really isn’t that much time to cover a lot of ground. So in addition to safety factors (it may well be a little sketchy if you go from Caracas to Brazil entirely overland), it might be in your interest to tackle some of those legs by plane. Maybe do a Venezuela loop, then fly on to Salvador or Rio, and do a Brazil loop (keeping in mind that Brazil is gigantic — focus on one area). Then from there you can try an overland to Argentina, maybe via Uruguay or Paraguay. That will keep you plenty busy for 10 weeks.
As for traveling solo as a woman, just use common sense. You will get harassed eventually, but you won’t find yourself in danger unless you put yourself in a compromised situation. So just be careful, and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home (travel in sketchy neighborhoods, wander alone at night, mix in with surly drunks, etc.). South America is a popular travel destination, so there should be plenty of other travelers to mix with if you feel likely company from time to time. If you take the proper precautions and maintain a careful travel attitude, your father’s worries (and yours) need not be prohibitive.
July 16th, 2007 at 6:03 am
With all due respect, I think you’ve shortchanged your reader a little with your response.
First, there’s no guarantee she’ll be harassed, she could be JUST fine. It’s happened. My friend S. traveled there extensively, solo, and encountered nothing but kindness.
Secondly, through the wonders of the Internet, Suzanne could find women to tell her – and her dad – first hand, of experiences traveling solo through S. America. How much more reassuring – and practical – to find a travel “mentor” of some kind before to coach Suzanne on the ins and outs of S. America for women.
Thumbs up on the rest. Thanks, as always, for the good work.
July 16th, 2007 at 9:17 am
I agree with Rolf – this is a lot of territory to cover in a short amount of time. Discount airlines have made short-haul flights much more affordable in the area. Check out GOL. Be aware, however that there are dangers in flying as well – lots of press these days about airports without radar, etc.
With regards to being a female traveler, I have spent a ton of time traveling solo throughout South America. As long as you travel smart (don’t wander to dark places on your own, leave your jewelry at home, try not to attract attention) then you should be fine.
Most of all – have an amazing time. It is a beautiful, friendly part of the world!
July 16th, 2007 at 9:55 am
My brother-in-law has flown to Rio de Janeiro twice in the last 6 months since a Brazilian company bought there business.
They won’t let them go out on their own!
July 16th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Having lived 20 years in S. America, I can assure you that I would not allow my own daughter to travel there alone. A young, single, American woman is a target. You don’t hear about all the tings that happen. For every Natalie Holloway, there are dozens that don’t hit the press.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
While the advice given should be enough to encourage Suzanne to do her research, there are many of us that can give her “first hand” advice.
My husband and I completed a 2-year journey wherein we drove from California to his home-town in Brasil.
I absolutely recommend having a good grasp of Spanish and a get-by grasp of Brazilian-Portuguese.
Beyond that, take a look at our website and you may get some insight to areas you would like to visit.
http://www.solsearch.us
Try everything and enjoy!
July 27th, 2007 at 8:38 am
No one can ever guarantee you’ll be safe. The same things can happen to you in South America as can at home – crossing a street.
As you would do at home, travel overseas means taking a few precautions. And in my opinion South America is for the Spanish-speaking. I’ve traveled solo since the age of 15 and as wonderful as South America is, Spanish is a must. In Brazil, most people will understand Spanish if you speak slowly – it doesn’t work as well the other way around.
A few sensible precautions, some mentioned above, are essential. Others include keeping in regular touch, on a schedule. Perhaps you could stay with people rather than hostels – at least you’d have a good local contact in each city. You could try these sites: http://www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk, http://www.hospitalityclub.org or http://www.couchsurfing.org. They put travelers in touch with one another.
If you don’t speak Spanish, I would suggest that you start with something more ‘on the beaten path’, say Southeast Asia or Europe.
I love South America and have backpacked it solo – but I’m fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. That said, I’ve traveled in many parts of the world on my own without speaking the language… and have been lucky all the way.
In the end, you cannot control your surroundings, and that’s not what travel is about. Take good safety precautions, establish solid backup plans, keep in touch – and remember, you’re not home, and there are many things you’d do at home that you can’t do on the road.
The risk will always be there – just as it will be there whatever you do, and wherever you go.
I wish you the best!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:42 am
You are all paranoid. Everything said about South Am is a hoax. ANYWHERE you go you should take precautions, I have been all over and travelled through South America solo for three months with my surf board. You can cover most ground by land but there is a lot of waiting and boredom to be done. Don’t do long trips through countries keep it simple. For eg(South Ecuador to Peru). You will still see heaps and soak it all in. I went out plenty of night solo and wasnt confronted once, stay away from dark alleys, like anywhere and take a spare wallet with just fake cards and some cash for your night out if you decide to wander. Who is this guy saying they won’t let him out in Rio? hahaha you serious Rio is full of tourists and really friendly people. Stay away from Columbia, Venezuela. Its full of macho coke heads anyways who wants to go there? A good drive is the Yungas through Bolivia, very scenic but extremely scetchy, give it a go if your game, live a little you will have more stories than anyone else has.
August 4th, 2009 at 1:50 am
Suzanne,
I am a Spanish person from South America. I live now in Canada for the last 30 years. You as a young white female will became a TARGET for the macho’s guys of South America. Sorry to say that!!!, and by the way, your dad is right even though I do not know what he said to you…
I know that a group of people from the States and Canada are going from Alaska (USA) to south of Chile, by car, and they will be going through 14 Spanish and 2 English countries. If your interested to joint them, just let me know?
Cheers,
Ben
March 28th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Hi,
I am also in the same situation, me and my friend have booked to go next year. After my reseach i am a little scared. So im just hoping to go to the ‘tourist’ places. Where would you recommend?
Thanks Jenny! x
August 8th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
Hi,
I’m heading to south america in December alone and i’m 18. Am I mad!? I was really confident about it before.. I had done all my research, knew all of the dangers and what precautions to take e.g. taxis and stuff but as it’s getting closer people’s worries are rubbing off on me! Any advice?
Immie x
September 24th, 2012 at 11:30 pm
I’m headed to South America (Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Argentina), I’m doing this trip solo and it’s not my first, I’ve also done Europe alone. I think travelling solo is a wonderful idea I’m only 20 and the amazing places I’ve been makes all my friends jealous and the freedom and independence it gives you doesn’t compare to any other feeling. My advice is common sense, don’t stray from main cities unless you’re around other women and keep your wits about you. If something doesn’t feel right it most likely isn’t, don’t put yourself in a situation where you can be vulnerable or taken advantage of especially being a girl you are already a target because (generally) you’re smaller and less likely to be able to fight back than a male.
I keep myself safe by doing small group tours for 18-30ish year olds therefore I’m never really alone and i always make sure someone (maybe five to ten of the group members and leader) always knows where I am if I decide to stray from the group. It also works out way cheaper to do group tours and you’ll see a lot more of the country in a safer environment where the local or international guide can tell you all the beautiful secrets you may have missed.
Don’t worry about what your parents say, mine are ALWAYS worried and trust me they’ll warm to the idea and even want to come with you. Make sure to include your dad/mum in on your plans and let them know exactly where you’re going what days flights etc and keep a copy of your itinerary at home with them as it will give them much more peace of mind and let them know that you are responsible enough to plan a trip with eyes wide open instead of being blind and going in head first.
Also, carry side bags. Inside pockets and straps are terrible as they draw too much attention to yourself. If you must, keep your passport and credit/visa/MasterCard under an insole in your shoe! Trick from a friend that saved me in Paris when someone tried to pinch my purse but couldn’t find it haha cheeky bugger
HAVE FUN!!!! Hope this was helpful 🙂